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On Saturday night, the Detroit Pistons will visit the great state of Ohio to square off against the much improved Cleveland Cavaliers. This game has plenty at stake heading into the waning moments of the NBA regular season, and it's time to continue our NBA odds series which includes a Pistons-Cavaliers prediction and pick.
The Pistons have struggled for a majority of the 2021-2022 season and are definitely starting to look forward to their offseason plans, as their 19-51 record puts them well out of the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Detroit currently has one of the worst road records in the NBA with an 8-28 record. After losing four straight games, the Pistons are coming off a hard-fought win versus the Magic 134-120.
Cleveland is in the midst of playing their fourth home game in a row, as their matchup with Detroit will be the second game of a back-to-back. Last night, the Cavaliers were led by big-time performances in a thrilling overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets 119-116. The Cavs are in need of stringing together some wins, as they are only 4-6 in their previous ten matchups.
Here are the Pistons-Cavaliers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Pistons-Cavaliers Odds
Detroit Pistons: +5.5 (-110)
Cleveland Cavaliers: -5.5 (-110)
Over: 216.5 (-110)
Under: 216.5 (-110)
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Why the Pistons Could Cover the Spread
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Despite the horrendous season campaign, the Pistons are stringing together wins as of late by winning five of their last ten games, a vast improvement from even a couple of weeks ago when Detroit couldn't buy a win. Now, the Pistons have some confidence under their belt, even without some of their key players sitting out due to injury. The good news for Detroit fans is that star in the making and probable NBA Rookie of the Year Cade Cunningham is probable to return Saturday evening after missing two games because of an undisclosed illness. Cunningham has played splendidly against their division rivals during his three games, averaging 15 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
Since playing much-improved basketball within the past couple of weeks, Detroit has found a way for unexpected names to step up in big ways. Small forward Shaddiq Bey put on an absolute show by erupting for an astounding 51 points on 17/27 shooting, including hitting on ten three-pointers, demonstrating Bey's scalding hot hand in their victory versus the Magic. Now with Cunningham presumably back in the lineup, the Pistons have a greater chance to cover the spread with a healthy squad in Cleveland. Not to mention, the Pistons have been playing better basketball than the Cavs of late. Detroit is 37-31-2 ATS this season.
Why the Cavaliers Could Cover the Spread
Quite frankly, the Cavs need this one way more than the Pistons do, as Detroit is just trying to play with pride heading into the final month of the season. Cleveland has experienced a resurgence this season, as it's not often that hope creeps into the blue-collar city that has been so used to being let down.”Believeland' certainly deserves to get their hopes up just a little bit, and who can blame them? Cleveland is undergoing their best regular-season record-wise since the 2017-2018 NBA campaign, which was LeBron James' final season in a Cavs jersey. The reason why Cleveland is generating buzz within the confines of America's north coast is their swarming defense, which is holding teams to 104.2 PPG, good for third-best in the league.
There's still a belief that defense wins championships, even among the day in age of points being scored more frequently than the amount of Shamrock Shakes consumed at your local McDonald's during the month of March. The Cavs forced 19 Nuggets turnovers in their convincing home win on Friday night, something they will try to have a repeat of during their concluding matchup of a back-to-back. If the Cavs are going to cover the spread, they will need to rebound the basketball more efficiently, as their last two losses against the Pistons have seen themselves get bodied and physically dominated in the paint. Cleveland is 38-27-4 ATS this season.
Final Pistons-Cavaliers Prediction & Pick
At first glance, the Pistons seem to have a good chance to pull off a gritty road win with the return of their best playmaker in Cade Cunningham. Additionally, the Cavs will be short on rest, playing their second straight game in as many nights. As previously stated, Detroit is a no-good road team, which reiterates the sense of youth that the Piston's roster is comprised of. However, the Pistons should play the Cavs tough, as it is no coincidence that Detroit currently leads the season series 2-1. With the spread set at 6.5 points, Detroit will lose a close game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and will end up covering points in doing so. Rise up Motor City!
Final Pistons-Cavaliers Pick: Detroit Pistons +5.5 (-110)
